ไทย
English
中國人
It's no exaggeration to say that one different decision in 2017 could have altered the course of Liverpool's following decade.
Everyone recalls Mohamed Salah's transfer from AS Roma to Merseyside before the 2017–18 season, and it's hard to forget the Egyptian's 44 goals during his debut campaign in a red shirt. Yet there is a lesser-known twist in the story of Salah's arrival at Anfield—the winger was not former manager Jürgen Klopp's original target.
Instead, the German tactician had his sights set on then-Bayer Leverkusen star Julian Brandt. Klopp had observed the attacking midfielder closely during his time on Borussia Dortmund's touchline and was eager to bring him to Liverpool.
Brandt had just completed a respectable season at Bayer Leverkusen, making 40 appearances and registering 12 goal contributions along the way. The figures paled against Salah's 31 goal contributions at Roma, but Klopp was reluctant to take a chance on a player who had disappointed at Chelsea just three seasons earlier.
Liverpool's leadership ultimately persuaded the manager to take the gamble on Salah over Brandt, however, and the Egypt international has since cemented himself among the club's all-time legends.
Salah Paid Back Liverpool's Trust Tenfold
While Brandt remained at Bayer Leverkusen, Salah made the move to Merseyside determined to vindicate Liverpool's decision to choose him that summer. He also arrived with a point to prove, resolved to demonstrate that his difficult spell at Chelsea did not define his career.
In his very first match for the Reds, Salah contributed a goal and an assist ... and the rest is history. The 33-year-old, who will depart Anfield at the conclusion of the 2025–26 season, went on to surpass 250 goals for Liverpool, helping the club claim two Premier League titles, the Champions League, and six additional trophies.
Brandt, meanwhile, stayed at Bayer Leverkusen before joining Borussia Dortmund in 2019. In the years that followed, the Germany international has made 300 appearances for BVB and netted 56 goals. He never claimed a league title with either club, and lifted only two honors during his time at Dortmund.
Of course, measuring almost any player's career against Salah's is somewhat unfair, given that he ranks among the greatest players to have ever graced the Premier League. But it illustrates just how differently things might have unfolded for Liverpool had Klopp not had a change of heart.
Brandt Could Still Make a Move to Merseyside 10 Years Later
A twist of fate may yet see Brandt land on Merseyside after all. The 29-year-old is set to become a free agent this summer and depart Dortmund after seven seasons in yellow.
Dortmund managing director Lars Ricken confirmed that the club and player mutually agreed not to renew Brandt's contract, which expires in June. "There have already been a few reports, and it's simply that there were open talks and everyone agreed that the expiring contract wouldn't be extended."
Brandt is now searching for a new club and has been linked with sides across the continent, including Everton. The Toffees could represent an appealing destination for the No. 10, who could finally get his opportunity to play in the Premier League.
Should the mooted transfer come to fruition, Brandt will find himself on Merseyside a decade after he nearly joined Liverpool—only this time, he would be on the blue side of the city.